Androuet, 75005

There has been a market on the rue Mouffetard since the 1380s. It’s a long story (one for when you’re sitting comfortably) but it all started when some excommunicated priests from Notre Dame cathedral were settled on the banks of the river Bièvre, on the outskirts of the fledgling city of mediaeval Paris.

Although the Androuet story doesn’t go back quite that far, it has quand-même been the leading name for cheese in France for over a hundred years. (Since 1909, to be precise.)

They have a truly fantastic selection of cheeses (250-300 in total) each of which has been affiné (ripened) by master cheesemongers. When you first enter this tiny shop, the enormity of the selection can be overwhelming but you should try to tap into the Guillaume or Aurelia’s knowledge and follow their advice.

If you’re lucky enough to be staying or living in this area, keep going back every couple of days and getting a new cheese each time. The process of systematically trying new cheeses – and you’ll realise that their selection changes every week or so with the seasons – will surely help approfondir vos connaissances (improve your knowledge.)

P.S. If you feel you would like a guiding hand about where to start, check out my friend Jennifer’s blog Chez Loulou.

P.P.S. And if you reeeeeally want to learn about French cheese, there really is nothing better than the Paris by Mouth Cheese Workshops.

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